Morning journal and courier., 1887-03-07
News by Telegraph FROM ALL QUARTERS. HENRY WARD BEECHER Lying At The Point Of
 Death. STRICKEN DOWN BY AP0PLEXY. His Condition Beyond All
 Human Aid. X TERRIBLE ENGINE OF WAR. An Express Takes A Fear
 full Leap.
A TERRIBLE ENGINE OF WAR.
THE PASTOR OF PLYMOUTH.


 Thousands Mn Grief at the Impend- ing Loss-The Latest Bulletin From the Sick Cham mber-The Life Work of the Great Man.
 BROOKLYN, March 6.-The anxiety of hun l dreds of citizens of Brooklyn to learn the condition of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, who was stricken with apoplexy during Thursday night, led them to visit the residence of Colonel Harry Beecher, at Clark and Hicks streets at an early hour this morning. Only the immediate friends of the family were ad- | mitted. But as soon as any emerged from the dwelling where the great preacher was lying at the point of death they were eagerly questioned by the throng who surrounded the house. They had no word of encourage ment in regard to his condition for he had lain in en unconscious condition since Satur- day and had not since that time given any evidence that he recognized anyone about his bedside. Up to that time he had been able to raise his hand to his head and give them to understand that hs was suffering consid- erable pain, but in the evening he seemed to pass into a comatose state, his breathing was hard and ne lost the power of moving his body. Mrs Beecher watched by his bedside a good portion of the night and she was re- lieved by her daughter Mrs. Scovill, who ar rived early last evening, and Colonel Harry Beecher, who was in and out of his fathers room during the night. The medicine pre- scribed by the physician was regularly ad- ministered and Mir. Beecher seemed to have no difficulty in swallowing it. Dr. Searle, his family physician, reached the house shortly after eight o'clock this morning and after an examination concluded that MT. Beechcr WAS not as we'll as last evening and it was probably only a question of a few hours when he would pass away. He was not surprised at MT. Beecher's condition, having anticipated an unfavorable change. All efforts to arouse Mr. Beecher proved unavailing. The family were of course overcome with grief, it being difficult for them to realize that there was hope of a change for the better. The first bulletin was brought out by Major Pond and stated that the condition of the patient was unchanged. This was read by throng who had visited the house to ascertain his condi- tion Dr. Hammond, of New York, visited Mr. Beeeher about o'clock this afternoon and he concluded from Dr. Searle's state ment that his condition was not as unfavora- ble at that hour as it was in the morning and that the patient might survive until Monday morning. He gave no hope, however, of any permanent improvement and shortly after his arrival the following Was posted:
 Dr. Hammond in consultation. MT. Beecher in a deep state of coma all day. No sign of pain or consciousness Of any sert Death considered ger
 w. s. SEARLE.
 MT. Thomas G. Shearman and other friends of the family were admitted to the sick room during the day and one after an- other emerged with eyes filled with tears. In the afternoon it required the services of two policemen to keep the dwelling from be- ing blockaded. pr. Searle made another call upon Mr. Beecher about o'clock and said he thought he was breathing little easier and did not look for immediate dissolution. It was his opinion that Mr. Beecher would live until tomorrow. Shortly after the services held at the church, which consisted only of the administration of the sacrament by the Rev. Messrs. Powell and Halliday, meeting of the officers of the church was held for the pur-
 
 deemed necessary in the event of Mir. Beecher's death. Dr. Henry L. Pratt, who presided, appointed as committee John F.. Howard, who is one of the oldest members of the church, Augustus Storrs, s. V. White, Thomas J. Tilney and Rsssiter w. Raymond. The meeting then adjourned
 Nearly all the pastors in Brooklyn made reference in their sermons this morning to the sudden illness which had befallen the dis tinguished clergyman so widely known and revered. Rev. Dr. Talmage told how he was greeted by MT. Beecher, who welcomed him when he first came to Brooklyn and how he presided not long ago at the meeting which turn from Europe He spoke also of MT. Beecher's presence at the wedding of his daughter. There was no one whom he loved to meet better. Rev. Dr. George Reed, of the Hanson Place M. E. church, invoked the divine blessing on him who during his life had comforted so many. Rev. Dr. Cuyler expressed his sympathy for the Ffsorrowing family, the sorrowing church and sorrowing State" The other clergymen of the city made appropriate references to the sad event.
 At 10 o'clock to night Mr. Beecher's con- dition was practically unchanged. Dr. Searle, previous to his going to MT. Beeeher's house where he remained for the night, issued the following:
 
 has not changed materially today. He is in a deeply comato state from which he cannot be in i an' deep p slumber q'.u and gives Ne @ no from 90 to 1GO. At time for several hours it intermitted two or three beats in each minute but and full. The temperature has ranged from 100 to 1oo16 degrees and is at present 1t0a. The respira extremites equally warm. The face is flushed and has somewhat livid hue. He, is unable to fn mi of liquid and these must be administered to prevent choking
 During the day he has been under the con- stant supervision of his physician, who will remain with him during he night. Drs. w. T. Helmuth and w. H. Hammond have each visited him once to day, All these medical advisers are in full and active ac- cord as to the nature and location of the disease; it's present status; the remedi- al measures and as to the progress of the case. It is their opinion that the history of to-day confirms the opinion they have enter tained from the beginning, viz, that recov- cry is not to be hoped for; that though the effusion of the blood into the brain is now stopped, 8 fresh hemorrhage may at any time occur and speedily end life; that this IS not likely to happen SO far as present 1ndl- cations can be trusted and should it not oc- cur his life may be spared for several days, how long depends upon his endurance and strength of constitution.
 No sermon was preached at Plymouth church this morning, but a beautiful and impressive service took its place. The church was we'll filled. Rev. Dr. Powell, secretary of the Home Missionary society, conducted the services, assisted by MT. Halliday, Mir. Beechers as- sistant. Dr. Powell prayed for the congre- gation in the deep afiiction that had come upon them. Then the venerable Dr. Halliday rose and with trembling voice said Ut seems fit that we omit the regular service and cele- brate only the communion. I think your hearts will readily respond to this change in the service" Tears streamed down his cheek as he added that few moments before the condition of Mr. Beecher had been pronounc- ed hopeless Sobs were heard from all parts of the church and handkerchiefs were applied to many eyes. Several new members were l received into the church, being baptized by MT. Halliday. and the communion sac rament was observed. This with reading of the service and the singing of one of MT. Beecher's favorite hymns ended | the meeting. A more mournful occasion was never witnessed. All seemed to feel a